I'm not sure I totally agree with the chemical imbalance concept even though I know it must be true. This is because I had every known anti-depressant given to me over a period of 7 years, with absolutely no effect except bad side effects. I finally seemed to get in control of my thoughts without meds because I knew I couldn't continue living like I had & wasn't successful with suicide..

Unfortunately, the depression feelings started coming back when waking up in the morning. I felt like I couldn't go on even with the anticipation of my new foal being so exciting. It took me awhile to realized what was going on with me again. My husbands attitude is driving me crazy & I just can't put up with it anymore. I stopped to think about the situation, & realized that I have to fight back & came up with a plan of how I was going to handle the situation to my best interest. After confronting him, & setting down what is going to happen, it was like a weight lifted off me. The depression feelings I was waking up with seemed to diminish, & I felt like I was in better control of myself again. The depression went on for over a month before I could formulate my ideas into a plan, but I was really amazed at the result. I don't really understand how thinking can change the chemical balance that quick. I must admit there is my eating problem that is still here & won't go away, so all is not completely solved. For me, therapy, & just trying to get in control of my life again did more good than any meds that messed with the chemicals in my brain.

I may be the exception rather than the rule, & I don't really understand how it all works together. I know that depression is not a personal weakness or personality flaw either. After living with the depression for over 9 years, I don't understand it any better after experiencing it than I did before I even knew what depression was.